A Q&A with our General Manager: Tanya Reason

Our General Manager Tanya Reason keeps things running in tip-top shape year round at the UPLIT Office (and does it all with the grace that only an experienced international performing artist can have!). Here she shares her thoughts on this year's program, and her hopes for the Festival experience. 

Which event at the Brisbane Writers Festival are you most looking forward to attending?

- The Marion Taylor Opening Address with Alec Doomadgee

Tell us something about you we don’t already know…

- The only thing left on my list of “fun things to try” (to date- it grows regularly) is flying into a room on a wire.

From the artists attending at this year’s Brisbane Writers Festival, who do you look to for inspiration?

- None, but Dame Quentin Bryce and I share a common value of lovely things. Quiet moments with loved ones, manners and consideration for others, unexpected beauty and kindnesses. 

Is there a particular book that you have read which still remains with you today?

- A Fly Went By, by Mike McClintock.

People who attend the Brisbane Writers Festival will be able to hear many stories that will be thought provoking, where do you seek your ideas from?

- Life - the people and opportunities that God puts in my path.

The power of a story can create conversations, what are you hoping for people to be talking about after BWF this year?

- I hope the conversations will be about new things people have experienced, old ideas that now ring truer and most importantly, the ideas that are all their own.

What book are you next looking forward to reading?

- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

What do you like most about working on BWF?

- Being a part of keeping the immeasurable value of skilled storytelling in the forefront of our social consciousness.

What is one thing you cannot resist? 

- Chocolate Cake.

And finally... Can you offer any tips on how to fit in more reading into our busy lives?

- Put down the phone and commit to something deeper than a 200-character tit-bit.